Introduction to the Series: Canada and Alberta’s Efforts to Support Displaced Ukrainians

As the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program approaches its 3-year mark since its introduction, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on Canada’s response to one of the most significant displacement crises in recent history. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a humanitarian emergency of extraordinary proportions. By April 2022, over 6.2 million Ukrainians fled their country, with the majority remaining in Europe and 6% seeking refuge beyond, including in Canada (UNHCR, 2022). 

Canada is home to the second-largest Ukrainian diaspora in the world with migration ties dating back to the 19th century and responded strongly with the launch of the CUAET program. Designed to meet the urgency of the moment, CUAET offered a flexible and unprecedented approach to humanitarian immigration, allowing over 221,000 Ukrainians to arrive in Canada between 2022 and 2024 (UNHCR, 2022).  

With the end-date  for displaced Ukrainians to receive federally funded services set for March 31, 2025 (IRCC, 2025), and acknowledging the ongoing challenges newcomers face in settling and integrating into Alberta’s communities, it is critical to evaluate the program’s outcomes, challenges, and the future for Ukrainians who have chosen Alberta as their new home. 

Why This Series Matters? 

This series aims to provide a comprehensive and critical examination of Canada’s and Alberta’s responses to the displacement of Ukrainians. Canada’s response welcomed thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge from the war, but questions remain about what comes next for those who arrived under the CUAET program. How effective were the systems and supports put in place? What lessons can we draw for future humanitarian crises? Perhaps most importantly, how can Canada ensure that displaced Ukrainians who have found refuge here can transition from temporary status to long-term stability? 

The CUAET program was a logistical challenge, but it was also a test of Canadian values and the capacity to respond to large-scale displacement. Alberta, with its historical ties to Ukraine and as a hub for Ukrainian newcomers, offers a unique lens to explore this humanitarian response. Alberta was uniquely positioned to play a leading role in supporting displaced Ukrainians, and its experiences offer valuable insights for policymakers and community leaders. 

What to Expect in This Series 

Blog 1: The Context of the War and Canada’s Initial Response 

We begin by situating the crisis, exploring the scale of displacement caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Canada’s immediate response. This includes an in-depth look at the CUAET program, its structure, and the early measures taken by Alberta to support Ukrainian newcomers. 

Blog 2: Evolving Supports and Shifting Trends 

In the second post, we explore how Canada’s and Alberta’s approaches evolved over the course of the CUAET program. We’ll analyze trends in housing, employment, and settlement services, identifying key shifts in needs and the ways communities adapted to meet them. 

Blog 3: Gaps and Wins—Assessing the Response 

The third installment will critically evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of the CUAET program and Alberta’s provincial efforts. Drawing on data and narratives from displaced Ukrainians and service providers, we’ll highlight what worked, what didn’t, and the systemic challenges that remain. 

Blog 4: The Road Ahead—Post-CUAET and Long-Term Stability 

The series concludes by looking forward. With the CUAET program and supports for displaced Ukrainians ending, what are the next steps available for displaced Ukrainians in Canada? This post will examine pathways to support, the preparedness of Service Provider Organizations in resource scarce environments, and the broader community impact. We will also offer recommendations for creating more sustainable and inclusive pathways for integration while reflecting on the lessons learned. 

The conclusion of the CUAET program marks a turning point from immediate crisis management to long-term integration. As we take the next steps, questions of longevity and stability and learnings to better respond to future humanitarian emergencies are top of mind. These questions are central to this blog series, which seeks to provide an evidence-based assessment of Canada’s and Alberta’s efforts. By examining what worked and what needs improvement, this series offers a foundation for informed, strategic planning in future displacement scenarios. 

Citations 

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2022, April). Ukraine Refugee Situation Update. Retrieved from https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). (2025). Ukraine measures. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures.html